Watch WCOS 04 Berlin

Videos of the World Conference of Screenwriters in Europe, Berlin October 2018

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Writing Through Oppression (panel and keynotes)
Berlin, with its heritage of both national-socialist and communist dictatorships, is the ideal place to discuss how writers live today under authoritarian regimes who target freedom of speech and the lives of writers.With Carolin Otto (Moderator), Maciej Karpinski, Howard A. Rodman, Jacob Groll, Can Dündar, Peter Verzilov and Veronika Nikulshina

James Schamus’ final keynote

Showrunners – Shifting Power to the Writer (panel)
With more countries adopting the showrunner model of television production, our panel will discuss the similarities and differences in their responsibilities, approach, remuneration models, and how the position is evolving.With Marjorie David (Moderator), Dennis Heaton, Steven Moffat, Sebastian Andrae

Reality Check on Writers Rooms (panel)
We check in with writers working in a room to discuss how scripts and credit are divided in different countries, what they’d like to see change, and whether there is an upswing in internationalized rooms.With Josep Gatell (Moderator), Teresa de Rosendo, Vasant Nath, Marta Betoldi, Marie Roussin, Malin-Sarah Gozin, Motasem Ali

Subversive Scripts (panel)
Whether it’s through the use of history, a focus on family, or elevating a genre, the selection of entry points to their storytelling have enabled these writers to skillfully hold a mirror to reflect on the turmoil of the present day.With Michael Winship (Moderator), Karianne Lund, David A. Goodman, Chris Keyser, Alex Haridi

Too Dark, Too Smart – The Challenge of Creating Multi-Dimensional Female Characters
An informative, witty and provocative session that shines a light on where key creatives go wrong when creating female characters and why, in 2018, so many screenplays still contain thin, stereotypical female characters.With Fiona Samuel and Kathryn Burnett

50/50 by 2020
Many guilds have made gains in gender parity under the 50/50 by 2020 campaign umbrella. We discuss this worldwide phenomenon and the tools employed to achieve results.With Olivia Hetreed (Moderator), Pia Gradvall, Jennifer Davidson, Wilbirg Brainin-Donnenberg, Jackline Emali, Lisa Holdsworth.

Local is Global (panel discussion)
Writers are sometimes surprised by the global appeal of their seemingly local shows, and those from smaller territories are seeing their uniqueness of voice as a powerful asset on the international stage. From universally loved characters to superb dramatic tension, writers share what they believe to be the ingredients of global success.With Kathryn Burnett (Moderator), Mette Heeno, Tarja Kylmå and Margrét Örnólfsdóttir.

Cultural Diversity in an International Market (interview)
In a system of massive, concentrated global distribution networks, how do we retain local film and television programming on our screens?With Maureen Parker (Moderator) and Carole Tongue

Talking Coproductions with German producer Oliver Berben (interview)
High quality dramatic programs are increasingly relying on international co-production models for financing and talent. One of Germany’s most esteemed producers talks about his approach and the vital role of the writer. With Sebastian Andrae (Moderator) and Oliver Berben

Netflix – Love It or Hate It, It’s Here to Stay (panel)
As the streaming service continues to be the dominant international provider of subscription video on demand, we hear from writers on the creative process of Netflix Originals, the influence on local production, and the unique challenges presented.With Christopher Keyser (Moderator), Elena Soarez, Camilla Ahlgren, Jannik Tai Mosholt, Vasant Nath

SVOD by the Numbers (panel & presentations)
With more than 359 million subscribers worldwide by the end of this year, subscription video on demand is a huge opportunity for writers. How important is SVOD compared to traditional broadcasting, what will its impact be and how soon? What do we know about writers’ compensation for SVOD production and what will be the impact of SVOD huge and growing subscriber base?With David Kavanagh (Moderator), Ellen Stutzman, Guillaume Prieur, Christian Grece

Organizing & Negotiating in a Changing Production Environment (panel)
Leaders in collective bargaining discuss their current challenges, successes, and strategies with a focus on production trends, both regional and global. Attendees are encouraged to discuss their own experiences and seek advice at this interactive session.With David Kavanagh (Moderator), Lowell Peterson, Alice Shearman, Denis Goulette, Peter Henning

Copyright Law and Beyond: The Role of Guilds & CMOs in Ensuring Writers Get Paid (panel discussion)
Copyright Law has been around for more than 200 years and yet writers still often do not get a fair return on their work. Recent developments in the EU have finally recognised the link between copyright and writers’ incomes. We look at the EU Copyright Directive, compare it with the rights situation in other parts of the world and how Guilds and CMOs can work together to use legal rights to put cash in writers’ pockets.With Robert Taylor (Moderator), Yves Nilly, Janine Lorente, Robert Alberdingk Thijm, Volker Rieck

Negotiation as Asymmetrical Warfare (presentation)
The driving forces behind the Scriptwriters Guild of Israel share a presentation on their unusual direct actions: from ridiculing Parliamentary committees and designing photo ops to garnering press interest to a hunger strike to save public broadcasting.With Amit Leor (Moderator) and Leora Kamenetzky

The Future of Screens (panel)
What is the impact of internet platforms and high-quality television shows on the big screens that made us love going to the movies? What makes films successful and what kind of stories do they demand? Why do theatrical releases work so well in some countries, while in others, movie theaters are closing one after the other. We talk about strategies for the future of the cinema experience with feature writers and specialists.Alfred Holighaus (Moderator), Peter Dinges, Justin Kim, Boglarka Nagy, Cajetan Boy